Dirk Nowitkzi scores 40 to lead the Mavs to 3-1 lead.

words // Nick Engvall

Down by 15 points with about 5 minutes to go, it looked as if the Thunder were on their way to evening up the series. However, Dirk Nowitzki took over, and the Dallas defense tightened up, to push the game into overtime. Nowitzki scored 10 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter comeback. In overtime, it was an unexpected hero, Jason Kidd who knocked down a 3-pointer, the biggest bucket of the night, and really the turning point of the momentum in overtime.

For Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant came out on fire. He finished the game with 29 points and 15 rebounds but in overtime, he missed a crucial 3-point opportunity. Russell Westbrook finished with 19 points and 8 assists, while Serge Ibaka contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds of his own.

The series will head back to Dallas for game 6 with the Mavericks just one win away from making the NBA Finals for just the second time in franchise history. In 2006, Dallas lost to the Miami Heat 4 games to 2.

Check out the latest Sneaker Watch action courtesy of ESPN.

Nate Robinson, the best player that never plays, wearing the Jordan Retro 2.

Kevin Durant and teammates wearing the Nike Zoom KD III.

Another look at Durant’s “Scoring Title” KD III in the home colorway.

Russell Westbrook with a monster dunk in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse.

Jason Kidd controls the ball wearing Peak sneakers.

Brendan Haywood in the Zoom Hyperfuse, shoots over Kendrick Perkins in the adidas Pro Model.

Jason Terry shoots a jumper in the Reebok Zig Slash.

J.J. Barea in the Converse Star Player EVO Low.

Dirk Nowitzki continues to be near unstoppable in the Nike Hyperdunk 2010.

A tough loss for Kevin Durant and the Thunder.